At the 58th annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato presented her inaugural report detailing the dire state of human rights in Iran. The report draws attention to a worrying rise in executions, heightened suppression of dissent, and increased pressure on prisoners, alongside discrimination against minorities and continued oppressive policies. It also shines a light on the grim realities of violence against women, including femicide, torture, and sexual abuse of detainees, with forced confessions raising further alarm.
Sato’s address underscored the escalating violence faced by women in Iran, reporting at least 179 documented femicides in 2024. These tragic occurrences are frequently associated with forced and child marriages, compounded by legal obstacles that strip women of autonomy. The report starkly illustrates how the Iranian legal framework remains profoundly discriminatory, undermining women’s rights in areas such as testimony in court, employment opportunities, and laws surrounding inheritance and divorce.
Additionally, Sara Hossain, Chair of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, contributed to the discourse by revealing alarming details regarding the torture and sexual abuse endured by female prisoners. In many instances, these actions were described as constituting crimes against humanity. The international community has reacted with urgency, demanding immediate measures to halt the oppression of women and urging the repeal of discriminatory laws that perpetuate these injustices.
At the UN Human Rights Council session, Dr. Mai Sato highlighted severe human rights violations in Iran, including a surge in executions and systemic violence against women, including 179 cases of femicide reported. The legal framework remains heavily biased against women, depriving them of basic rights. Sara Hossain reported on the torture faced by female prisoners, likening many violations to crimes against humanity. The international community demands urgent action to combat these injustices and dismantle discriminatory laws.
Dr. Mai Sato’s report at the UN Human Rights Council paints a bleak picture of human rights in Iran, underscoring a surge in executions and alarming levels of violence against women. The findings reflect systematic discrimination against women, with forced marriages and legal restrictions compounding their struggles. The international response calls for urgent action to address these human rights violations and reform oppressive laws, highlighting the need for immediate change in Iran’s legal and social landscape.
Original Source: wncri.org
